Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief, you are truly missed. I wished I could have told you how appreciative I am that you gave me the opportunity to serve under your "watch;" to be an officer at Sharpsburg PD. Thank-you. Even after all of this time (a decade later), I still hurt. I want to say to you in the words of the song that echoed through the speakers at Sharpsburg Baptist Church during your "home-going" service: 'GO REST HIGH UPON THE MOUNTAIN WITH GOD THE FATHER AND THE SON.' 601, we shall meet again.

A.L. Jones
former deputy and police officer

September 28, 2007

MY BROTHER, MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

July 18, 2007

A decade may have passed since your EOW but those that love you have not forgotten you nor will that ever be the case. I know that every day during the past 10 years there has not been a day that has gone by that they haven't thought about you as hereos never die. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the thin Blue Line. You have not been forgotten.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

July 18, 2007

Wayne, your were a great friend. You were there when I became Chief of Police in Elm City. You showed me the ropes and I will never forget the friendship we had. GOD SPEED!!!

Senior Police Officer
Wilson Police Department

June 7, 2007

God Speed, Brother.

P.O. K.Murphy
Union PD, NJ

May 13, 2006

Chief Hathaway you are a hero. Thank you for your service to your fellowman. Rest in peace my brother in blue. May God bless you and your family.

State Constable J.L. Green
S.C. State Constables

March 23, 2006

Thank you Chief. You, above all other people, inspired me to become what (I believe)I am today. A dedicated, professional, law enforcement officer, that truely cares about the community that he serves. Almost a decade after your passing, people in YOUR town still hold all others to your high standards for professionalism. Just like dozens of other officers that are now spread around the state and probably the country, - if it were not for you, I would not be in law enforcement. I still remember many things you taught me, and now I'm passing it along.
Thank You.

August 19, 2005

Wayne to this day I still miss you and I think of you all the time. I miss your smile and I miss having my friend to talk to. The day you left us has left a hole in my heart that will never go away, but I remember all the good times and the sad times. Until I see you in Heaven just know my heart will never forget you

Your sister forever Monica

June 10, 2005

As a young, police officer with the City of Rocky Mount, I was applying to the North Carolina Highway Patrol and obviously did not want to get my fingerprints taken at RMPD, so I arranged to have them taken at the Nashville NC Police Station. An Officer that I had never met before asked me "Why do you want to work for the Highway Patrol"? I replied back, "Well, Sharpsburg would not hire me, so I guess I will settle for HP". The Officer approached me and said, "I don't remember you applying". It was at this time, I noticed his arm patch was different from Nashville PDs arm patches.

I had just met Chief Hathaway!!

My attempt at humor had backfired on me and all the officers present got a big laugh.

We became friends and through the years, he would never let me forget my faux pax.

I was very honored to have served with Chief Hathaway and miss him dearly.

Deputy Sheriff (Reserve) Scott Hun
Nash County Sheriff's Office

February 5, 2005

After meeting with the family of Wayne's at a local diner in Sharpsburg, NC. and Wilson,NC with brother Jerry last year all thought it would be grand if I used " 601 " ( Wayne's badge number ) as the unit number on my restored 1965 ford custom 2 door sedan police package which is shown at various shows and during Police Week in our Nations Capital. The number 601 has also been placed atop the roof as alike that the same during 1965 District of Columbia ( Presently Washington, DC ) It's an honor to have the use of the number and the backing of the family. Each year for the past three years I have laid a rose by the Law Enforcement Memorial Wall just beneath Wayne's name. I never knew Wayne but if he's anything like his brother Jerry he was an honorable man. Shawn, Monica, Faye and Jerry thanks for your blessing on 601. If anyone would like a photo please don't hesitate just ask and I will do my best to return a photo to you. Hopefully one day I can visit with the unit in Sharpsburg, NC and nearby Wayne's gravesite so he can see it also along with many of his freinds and officers.

Robert J. Hathaway
Historic Police Car Honor Guard Member since 2001
1965 Ford Custom 2 door sedan MPDC unit # 601
Professional Trucker since 1975
Seaford, De. 19973

Robert J. Hathaway
Historic Police Car Honor Guard

April 30, 2004

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

These are senseless tragedies that never seem to stop. God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 5, 2004

Wayne,

I never did know know you while here on earth, but through your brother I know that you were a fine son, father, brother, and most of all an outstanding Police Chief.  Your brother has been a great friend to me through thick and thin and I know that if it was not for you, he may not be passing on his knowledge, friendship, and his professional service to the citizens of our city.  May God continue to watch over you and your family. 

L.T. Marcum
Wilson PD, NC

How can I say thank you for being the brother you were to me. there were times when I didn't have to call when I needed someone to talk to. You were my friend, brother and someone who guided me when I needed someone. Their isn't anyone who can replace you and there will never be. Thanks, "Bubba" for being the best brother I could ever want and remember that I miss you very much and I'll see you in heaven one day. By the way you have a new niece in the family, her name is: ASHLYNN PAIGE CATLETT HATHAWAY.

Jerry Hathaway, SPO
Wilson Police Department

Wayne:

I remember the days of delivering papers when we were teenagers and the fun we had growing up. Later, when you went into law enforcement, I was proud of you and what you stood for. You came up in an era that people trusted the badge and what it stood for, and you also lived that way, trusting people. And, on that gloomy day when your life was taken away, you died respecting people and trusting. I am sorry you had to leave us, but I know that you died doing what you loved. I am thankful for the time we knew each other and I miss you. I know you are patrolling in heaven and one day, we will reunite to share friendship and memories. Take care.

Frank Phelps, Inspector
City of Rocky Mount

"The guardian angels of life sometimes fly so high as to be beyond our sight, but they are always looking down upon us."
-Jean Paul Richter

Gone but not forgotten ...
July 18, 2003

Anonymous

I would just like to say, that I knew Chief Hathaway very well.He was a hell of an officer, and friend.I met him when my family moved to Sharpsburg in 1980. He, along with my brother-in law David Youngand the rest of the force. Helped me turn my life around for the better. I can still remember when I had come back to Sharpsburg, Mr. hathaway saw me and said ."came back I see, couldn,t get the tar off your heels I guess.We laughed about that.As I said he was a great man and I really hated hearing of his passing. I pray his family and friends will keep him close to their hearts. We miss you Wayne. Patrol the heavenly streets as well as you did in Sharpsburg.

Your Friend always,

Mr. James Heckman.

James Heckman
correctional officer

Wayne,

You were my best friend in the whole world, the Love of my Life. I miss you so much, not a day goes by that I don't think of you. I have only memories to carry me through another day without you. Remember I Love You, and one day we will be together again. Always,

Anonymous